S₁ and S₂ are coherent sound sources on the x-axis, separated by 4λ. How many maxima lie on the shown elliptical boundary?

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Add the waves as phasors. For two amplitudes A₁,A₂ with phase difference φ, A² = A₁² + A₂² + 2A₁A₂ cosφ. Step 2: Intensity is proportional to A²; constructive/destructive conditions are Δ = nλ and Δ = (n+½)λ. Step 3: Apply the stated phases/path differences. Final: A: 16.